It's Easy To Enjoy Puerto Rico

If it's a relaxing adventure you seek, with beautiful beaches, lots of Jennifer Lopez look-alikes and great sunrays, Puerto Rico is the spot. As a U.S. commonwealth, it is a home away from home for many, acting as a haven for those craving the Caribbean experience without having to "rough it" in unfamiliar territory. Aside from the obvious sunbathing, the capital city of San Juan and its surroundings offer tropical excursions of all types, as well as cultural experiences stemming from the island's 500-year history.

peak seasons

If you visit the beaches between December and April, like most tourists do, you would be hard-pressed to find hotel accommodations and prime spots on the sand. The alternative, however, is not bright: May to November is hurricane season and while prices are cheaper and there are fewer travelers, you could get hit by a serious disaster. If you do decide to go in order to beat the crowd, keep an eye on forecasts up until the day you're supposed to leave. Nothing's worse than being in paradise and holed up in your room because of gale force winds that could peel the roof off of your shelter.

how to get there... and around

Getting to Puerto Rico is no science. Most of the major carriers will fly to San Juan, as it is the most accessible Caribbean city. Luis Muñnz Marín International Airport is on the eastern tip of the capital — just a short car ride away from the hotspots. Getting around on the island is more exciting. You can be adventurous in the small commonwealth and rent a car to tour the coast or at least navigate your own way through the city.

You can do Puerto Rico the chump way, by basking day after day on the beach while sipping Bahama Mamas, or you can do it the real way, by experiencing all the country has to offer. It's not every day that you get to be in the Caribbean without feeling completely lost in a foreign country.

must-see attractions

After you check into your hotel, which will almost inevitably be resort-level price, gain your bearings and gape at the women at the pool and on the beach; and then head to El Yunque. It may sound strange to be in San Juan and not think "beach" right away, but it is best to do the unique mini-trips before getting mesmerized by the sand, surf and women.

In El Yunque, which is approximately an hour drive from the capital, you'll find a mountainous rainforest (whose highest peak, El Toro, stands at 3,532 feet) with 13 clear, safe hiking trails meandering up the slope. Depending on your capabilities, you can chose a 15-minute walk or longer treks in which you delve deep into the forest, occasionally catching glimpses of parrots and even dancing under cool waterfalls.

It is a picturesque area and perfect for a refreshing picnic before returning back to San Juan with sore feet and a relaxed mind. If you don't want grubs crawling around your food, then Luqillo Beach, while not a getaway with all the food stalls around, provides a scenic area to eat and take a dip.